Yanks notes: Mark Teixeira expected back Sunday

Mark Teixeira is on track to rejoin the lineup for Sunday’s series finale at Tampa Bay. "[It’s] something we have to talk about but everything points to him being here," manager Joe Girardi said.

On Thursday afternoon, Teixeira played three innings at first base versus Toronto Blue Jays minor-leaguers during extended spring training, his first game since being sidelined April 5 due to a Grade 1 right hamstring strain.

"Everything feels great. I’ve had no problems," Teixeira told the Associated Press after walking twice and striking out in three plate appearances. He also ran from first to third without issue. Also, infielder Brendan Ryan (back) could return to the Yanks within two weeks.

Head over heels

Carlos Beltran gave the Yankees a major scare in the third, slamming full speed into the waist-high wall along the right-field line and tumbling over it in a failed attempt at Desmond Jennings foul ball. A shaken-up Beltran came away with just a sore left shoulder and right wrist, and remained in the game.

"I knew it was going to be on the line. I didn’t want to take my eyes off the ball," said Beltran, who caused manager and teammates some momentary panic. "I thought he was hurt bad," said Girardi, who rushed out with head athletic trainer Steve Donohue.

Fenway bound

Closer David Robertson plans to resume his role Tuesday, when the Yanks open a series at Boston. On the DL since April 7 due to a right groin strain, Robertson is scheduled to pitch an extended spring training inning on Saturday. "[I’ll] get Sunday, Monday off and get ready to go Tuesday," he said.

Jeter gem

CC Sabathia was the recipient of another sharp play by Derek Jeter in the fourth, when the 39-year-old shortstop went to his knees, backhanding Wil Myers’ sharp grounder and starting a double play. Jeter contributed an RBI single in the Yankees’ three-run second inning and was on base in three of his first four trips.

Get well, Zim

Rays adviser Don Zimmer, a Yanks bench coach under Joe Torre, underwent six hours of heart valve surgery Wednesday. He remains hospitalized and is resting comfortably, according to the Rays.